Rugged men who battle flames for a living can be some of the kindest, caring and inspirational visitors a child confined to a wheelchair may ever see. Known as the Kern Valley "Hot Shots," these U.S. Bureau of Land Management firemen excite students in the county office’s orthopedically exceptional classes at Suburu School in Bakersfield. Because when the Hot Shots come to visit teacher Julie MacDonell and Jenna Downing’s students, they come to play and play hard. If the Hot Shots show up with a football, as they did on Sept. 17, the students know it is time to put their game faces on because they are included. Yes, included. Each Hot Shot chooses a student as his player. The whistle blows, the football sails into the air and all of a sudden man and student become one as wheelchairs go speeding down the field in pursuit of a touchdown. Facial expressions tell it all, especially when an unsuspecting student suddenly has the football thrust in his or her lap and realizes they have a chance to make something exciting happen. Smiles, unbridled laughter and shouts of joy fill the air during those moments, as Hot Shot and student quickly weave their way through a field of wheelchairs, walkers and legs trying to go as far as they can without being touched. And when one scores a touchdown, an amazing scene follows with "High 5s" from everyone — including opposing teammates and Hot Shots. More